Ares Management Interview Process: Rounds, Timeline & Compensation
Michael King, PE Investment Manager ·
Ares Management runs a headhunter screen or direct application, then first-round interviews (behavioural plus a paper LBO or credit case), followed by a Superday with a modelling test and partner interviews. In the US, flagship PE strategies recruit on the compressed on-cycle timeline; credit teams often recruit off-cycle and year-round. In London and Europe, both run largely off-cycle, spread across the year. US first-year PE associate base runs roughly $175k-$225k, with all-in cash commonly $350k+; meaningful carry generally starts at VP. Credit-side comp is broadly comparable but weighted more toward base than carry. London runs roughly 20-30% below the US.
Interview rounds
A headhunter screen or direct application, then first-round interviews (behavioural plus a paper LBO or credit case), followed by a Superday with a modelling test and partner interviews
Typical timeline
In the US, flagship PE strategies recruit on the compressed on-cycle timeline; credit teams often recruit off-cycle and year-round. In London and Europe, both run largely off-cycle, spread across the year.
Compensation range
US first-year PE associate base runs roughly $175k-$225k, with all-in cash commonly $350k+; meaningful carry generally starts at VP. Credit-side comp is broadly comparable but weighted more toward base than carry. London runs roughly 20-30% below the US.
Notes
As one of the largest credit managers globally, Ares interviews for credit seats lean harder on downside analysis and covenant mechanics than a typical equity-only buyout process.
Frequently asked questions
How many interview rounds does Ares Management run?
A headhunter screen or direct application, then first-round interviews (behavioural plus a paper LBO or credit case), followed by a Superday with a modelling test and partner interviews
How long does the Ares Management interview process take?
In the US, flagship PE strategies recruit on the compressed on-cycle timeline; credit teams often recruit off-cycle and year-round. In London and Europe, both run largely off-cycle, spread across the year.
What does Ares Management pay first-year hires?
US first-year PE associate base runs roughly $175k-$225k, with all-in cash commonly $350k+; meaningful carry generally starts at VP. Credit-side comp is broadly comparable but weighted more toward base than carry. London runs roughly 20-30% below the US.